Granite or marble? How to choose what’s right for you

When considering home surfaces and tiles, natural stone tops most homeowners’ wish lists. Michelangelo sculpted David from a block of Carrara marble. Granite lined the tunnels of the Great Pyramids. Who wouldn’t want these materials in their home?

Elegant marble, with its subtle veining and light hues, never goes out of style. Builders have used marble for centuries in entryways, bathrooms, and for flooring. Even today, high-end homeowners demand marble, especially Italian Carrara marble, to enhance sophisticated décor.

Durable granite gets its bold look from melded minerals that form the stone, creating speckles of color. Stone suppliers find the finest slabs of granite in Brazil and Italy.

Which stone should you choose for your kitchen and bath? The answer depends on your home’s décor, your personal preference, and a dash of practicality. Here are a few guidelines to help you choose the best option.

Granite Staircase

1. Flooring. Because of its durability and relatively easy maintenance, granite trumps marble for high-traffic areas. Choose sturdy granite if you have kids and pets, as granite can better withstand spills, mud, and paws. Granite’s varied patterns—either speckled or veined—suit many home styles and flooring applications.

Consider marble in areas that receive lighter use, such as bathrooms. “A person could do their entire bathroom in marble with a combination of slabs and tiles,” says Ameeta Chadha, owner of Integrated Resources Group (IRG), a natural stone supplier with showrooms in Brisbane and Dublin. “If cost is not an object, you could use slabs of marble for the walls.”

Marble stone kitchen top

2. Kitchen countertops Despite its porous nature, which makes it prone to staining, most Bay Area families outfit their kitchens in marble. Why? It’s simply beautiful.

“Many people’s dream kitchens have white marble kitchen counters,” says Chadha. “It’s not a fad. Customers that select marble are aware of it’s upkeep and are overall happy with their selection. A lot of designers use marble, due to it’s everlasting natural beauty. If treated with care, marble can withstand most gourmet experiments (just don’t use marble as a cutting board!). Homeowners should seal the surface at least annually, which helps it resist spills. As added benefits, marble’s naturally cool nature can temper a hot kitchen, while its light shade makes the room glow.

When remodeling your kitchen, consider marble not only for countertops, but also for islands and backsplashes.

Marble stone fireplace

3. Fireplaces. Touches of natural stone can make a living room feel inviting and warm. A marble or granite fireplace surround makes a dramatic statement, transforming an everyday living room into a designer showplace. Which stone to choose depends on the personality of the room and the owner’s taste.

Granite was formed deep within the Earth at high temperatures, so it can withstand the heat of a roaring fire without scorching or warping. Marble also has a high heat tolerance, and its veining glows nicely when lit by the fire. If you want high class, marble delivers.

Shower with granite wall interior and marble stone

4. Showers To give your bathroom a spa-like feel, go with marble.

With proper sealing and care, marble will hold up fine in the shower. Because of its staining potential, if you like to dye your hair in the shower, you may want to consider a combination of porcelain and marble. For a bold look, install a slab of granite along one shower wall. Depending on the pattern you choose, it can look like a work of art.

For both marble and granite, avoid ammonia-based products for cleaning. They can strip the sealant. Acidic products, such as lemon and vinegar, can cause etching. A small amount of nonabrasive dish soap and warm water should do the trick.

5. Vanities. Both granite and marble add elegance to a master bath. They will also boost your home’s appeal if you decide to sell.

Granite comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns to match your decor; however, its dense look may not suit all tastes. Much like the kitchen counter, a white marble vanity elegantly complements most cabinetry and fixtures.

Marble can come in either polished or matte hues and can take whatever you throw at it during your morning routine.

Whether you outfit your home with marble, granite, or a combination of the two, incorporating natural stone can add brightness, elegance, and definite “wow” factor. To browse the largest selection of natural stone in the Bay Area, visit one of IRG’s expansive showrooms. IRG’s stone experts can help you choose the most appropriate stone for your new or remodeled home. For more information, visit IRG’s website at marblecompany.com, or call 415-657-0280 (Brisbane) or 925-829-1133 (Dublin).